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Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp & Fusilli

This Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp & Fusilli is SO EASY! Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a garlic butter sauce come together in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Garlic Butter, Pasta, Quick, Shrimp
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fusilli pasta the perfect shape to hold onto the garlic butter sauce
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, size medium to large
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter the base for our luscious sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to balance the richness
  • 0.5 tsp salt enhances all the flavors
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, brightens the dish with herbal notes
  • 1 lemon juiced, adds a refreshing citrus zing to finish

Instructions

Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp & Fusilli: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In your skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and curl up. Avoid overcooking.
  • Return the cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to coat with garlic butter sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Turn off heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley and juice of one lemon. Toss to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if desired.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Garlic press or fine mincer
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce perfectly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice at the end for the brightest flavor.
  • Swap pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to maintain texture.